Vehicle snubber and spring suspension



- Nov;- 1 1, 1930. R. B. FAGEOL 1,781,631

VEHICLE SNUBBER AND SPRING SUSPENSION Filed Oct.r 1l. 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. 11, 1930.` R, B, FAGEQL 1,781,631

VEHICLE SNUBBER AND SPRING SUSPENSION Filed Oct. l1, 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. ll, 1930.

R. B. FAGEOL VEHICLE SNUBBER AND SPRING SUSPENSION Filed Oct. l1, 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 1. I \v\\\\\\\\ l Nov. 11, 1930. R. B. FAGEQ; 1,781,631

VEHICLE SNUBBER AND LRING SUSPENSION Filed Oct. ll, 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Fiy; if 2 22 A, 85 (7*) ff f5) l Patented Nov. 11', 1930 UNITED STAT-eis Pari-:Nr oFFlgcE ROLLIE B. FAGEOL, or Los ANGELES, oALiFoRNIA VEHICLE SNUBBERJANB SPRING' SUSPENSION ApplicationA led October 11, 19271 Serial No.y v225g511.

This invention `relates toJ vehicle spring suspensionsV and particularly pertainsl to snubbers or shockiabsorbers operating incon junction with:y the vehicle springs, andf the f present application is a continuation 1n part olif-application: Serial lla-141,924 filed October'l,K 1926iv In the operationyo'ii vehicles and particularlyautomobiles inv which it is commonl practicel to: support thel vtrame` from the running gear by interposing springs therebetween,l it hasbeen iioun'd` thatwhen thepwheels of the running, gear suddenly strikeirregularities in the contour -oli the roadway, the weight. of 'I the'vehielc wouldtend? tol continue mits general direction or" travel and will cause thev springs' uponwhich it is 'supportedV to be violently deflected. lt .is yintended ythat the delection ofthe springs will absorbthe shock and that a minimum"amount/of it will be transferred tothe frame. ln' operation, however; the .deiiection of the springs is followed byaxrebenn'd as they tend to restore themselves to anormal positiom andi this rebound imparts'- a violenti' force tothe automobile frame and body and imparts poor riding qualitiesto: the vehicle, in addition to introducing lheavy stresses and strains which tend to shorten itsllife.

' tro yVarious devices have been proposed for clieciing thercbound ol springs by clamping the `spring leaves: together such for eX-ample as disclosed in U. S. Patent` 945,725 and French la'tent 560,452, but such arrangements simply increase the` frictional resistance between the spring leaves and as a refsult cause an undesirablestiiiening ofthe:

spring action to initial deliection whichis highly undesirable and renders them im-V practical lor commercial purposes. Such de vices do not oppose the deflecting action of different spring leaves in a manner to' neutral ize;4 teY a: large eirt'entiand check thefundesin able reboundsfas'is the case with my invenzanfdl frequently harmrather than imre the spring action.

lt is thei principal object of the present invention. to provide av vehicle shock; absorber asnubber which will permit the downwardl delectirfmv of the springs with substantial ease, but which ,will automatically build up tionvoiithe leaves of a multi-leaf spring, that f will yield-ingly cushion against sharp blows. imparted to the vehicle without' substantially stifening ^the spring y under small deflection and'that' will beeilective tocheck relative movement of the leaves; f

`Stil-l another robj-ect ot the invention is.- to provi-de a multi-leaf spring construction in. which the movements of the spring as a wholev in a direction endw'ise of the spring is` resiliently` resisted, as well as -theinovement of the. individual leaves that vgov to make up they spring,l thusiprovid-ing means for cushioning brake and'torquey reactions aswell as road impact..r A 'n Ai further-object of the invention is to provide a multi-leaf construction in which resil ientblocks are employed that Contact directly with -andgrip the metal of the spring, the resilient blocks being of such character that they adherer vto the metallic surfaces with which they contact'to substantially prevent endwise movement of said metallic members with .respect to Ktlrefblool'rs with which they contact,rand vto' set upa lneadingaction ofk the resilient material to cushion and absorb shockafv f ALYsti-ll-'further object ofthe invention is Y to provide azspring comprising a,plural-ity of kleaves Vconnected to,` the-vehicle frame by aswi c 1g hanger embodying` resilient-blocks arranged: to yifel-d-ingly resist relative' endwise and 'l straightening movement of `the' spring leaves as well as swinging movement of the in checking the swinging of said hangers as' the amplitude of the movement increases.

Other objects of the invention are such as may be attained by a utilization ofthe various combinations, subcombinations and principles hereinafter set forth and as defined by the scope of the appended claims.

lil)

The invention is illustrated by way of e x vample in the`accompanying drawings, in

which:

Figure l, is a view in side elevation showing the vehicle frame equipped with semi elliptical front and rear springs and further provided with the snubbers with which the present invention is concerned Y Figure 2, is an enlarged view in perspective showing the fitting of the snubber.

Figure 3 is an enlarged view in plan show'- ing the snubber fitting with the resilient block applied thereto and further disclosing the fastening bolt in section.

Figure 4 is an enlarged view in transverse section through the snubber as seen on the line 4-4 of Figure 1. Y

Figure 5 is a view in longitudinal section showing the snubber applied as viewed on the line 5 5 of Figure'4.

Figure 6 is a view in longitudinal section showing a modified form of the snubber structure.

i Figure 7 is a view in front elevation disclosing the application of the present invention to vehiclel springs of the Ford type.

Figure 8 is a view in longitudinal section through a form of the invention designed to be used with cars of heavy load capacity.

Figure 9 is a view in side elevation showing the structure of Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a view in transverse section on -line 10,- 10 through the structure shownV in Figure 8.

Figure 11 is a view in section and side elevation showing the application of the resilient block to another form of snubber.

Figure V12 is a view in side elevation showing the application of the resilient block to a compression spring form of snubber. i

Figures 13 and 14 are views in section and 6.,! side elevation showing the application of the v resilient pad to gravity operated shock absorbers. Y

Figure 15 is a side elevation of a further modification of my invention embodying resilient blocks to yieldingly resist endwise movement of the springs relative to the frame.

Figure 15a is a partial side elevation oi a modiiied Jform oi' connection shown in Figure 15.

Figure 16 is an end view of the construction shown in Figure 15.

Figure 17 is a plane view of a portion of the construction shown in the same figure.

Figure 18 is a vertical section taken on the plane indicated by the line 18-18 on Figure 17.

Figure 19 is a vertical section on the plane indicated by the line 19-19 on Figure 18.

Figure 20 is a side elevation of a further modification embodying wedging means that becomes automatically eiiective to press the resilient blocks upon substantial swinging movement of the spring hanger.

Figure 21 is an elevation of a further modiiication of this invention, the snubber blocks of this invention being embodied in this figure as a part of a spring cover.

Figure 22 is a vertical section taken on the plane of the line indicated by 22-22 in Figure 21.

Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the application of the invention to the sides of a multi-leaf spring assembly.

Referring more particularly to the drawings:

Y 1() indicates a vehicle main frame here indicated as being supported upon a front axle 11 anda rear axle 12. A front semi-elliptical spring 13 is interposed between the front axle 11 and the main frame while a rear semielliptical spring 14 is here shown as interposed between the rear aXle and the frame.

It willy be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the use of semi-elliptical springs, but that other multiple-leaf springs may be used if desired. The presentinvention is intended to resist the rebound of the spring by checking the relative longitudinal movement between, and the straightening action of the leaves of a multiple-leaf spring and to secure this result in a yielding manner. One oit the structures for accomplishing this result is shown in Figures 1 to 10 of the drawings, while modified f orms are shown in Figures 11 to 23, inclusive.

Referring particularly to Figures 1 to 10,

Vinclusive,it will be seen that a fitting 15 is provided. VThis fitting comprises a base plate 16 which is bounded along its marginal edges by an up-turned flange 17, thus forming a rectangular pocket into `which a vresilient block 18 may be seated. The resilient block is formed with a plurality of steps, the number of which may be varied to suit requirements. However, in Figures 3 and 6 these steps are indicated as being three in number and are indicated by the reference numerals 19, 20 and 21. In Figure 7 of the drawing isc ' there;y areionly'twoisteps-of the -resilientiblock Cil shown"Y indicated byn the numerals 19 f andi 20.

' .The blockl is preferably inadel of' rubber which 1 has `considerableresilience. The 4rubberused in the manufacture'of high grade solidV truck tires having 'desirable characteristics. 'IihestepsgorA separate portions 19,k 2O and21of'th`e block vary inheight indirect proportion :to the variationin the thicknesses of thek leaves 1. of the spring By particular reference to Figures'andl .it will therefore .be seen that in proper p ositionronl a: spring the lower step .willi engage the 'spring' leaf 22, the next succeeding. step" will engage ythe yoverhanging' spring leaf 23', and the block .portion 21 will engagethel next succeeding overhanging leaf24t.y y

vFor reasons which. will be :hereinafter `set forth, the portionsof the-"block are prefer'- ably'united or in intimate shock transmit- `ting `contact or union along their base portions and areseparated-above4 the base plate as-indicated'at 25 and 26. The plate .16 with block .18 seatedthereupcn is clamped against the graduated" overlapping faces of the spring leavesy by a U-bolt 27 as showninFigures 4, 5, 6 .and l7 oftheqdrawings, while other clampingfmeans-r areprovided for the form shown in Figure 8 ofthe drawings. In any event, the clamp. structure embraces the spring and pla-ces the portionsof'the resilient block` under. substantially uniform com dividual leaves-.inA operation under load isv f thus resisted when; the leaves va'redefiected,

due` to the` firmengagem'ent of theresilient Vblocks `with thel under' faces` of the leaves vso that itis necessaryfor tlie-leaves toidistortthe blocks and to move against the yielding resistance thus imposed. The fitting lis held in place and prevented from laterally shifting on. the' springs by means of'ksid'e 'guides27 and 28. These guidesA arey here shown as being segments ofv acylinder `and as serving the dual; purpose of centeringfthe snubber lblock upon the spring- `and :alsoneatlv ccncealing` the lJ-b'olt 27 which extends downwardly along opposite :sides y ofl Vthe springand through the basefof' the flttingl.

By referenceto'Figure 4 of thel drawing it` will; be seen. that fthe .vertical edges.. 29 of' the yguides-275 'and 28=extend .parallel to each other Yand along 'opposite sides ofthe spring leaves where Atheyv are held?` when' thev U.bolts` are clamped in position.. f'llhe Usbol'ts are vpreferably-fltted with reltively'-vlongiacorn nuts 30h-which are threaded a; ,sufficientij distance i to l permit .z consideraibleatakeeup-. tor be liadl wheniy adjustment: isnrequiredi r^It`-'f.w.ill also beunderst'ood.thatrthe; fitting/15 isSiiitablywebbed: landfbraced' that. there l will 4not be.A any bre ali-fing. strain.. imposedIiup'fonf.i the fitting by. 'the "tension: ofthe tightened vU-bolt or @other action incidentrtoithe'- operationi of thesprings; f f In the forni.ofthefinventionshown in I:Eig vnre-6 of="thedrawing, the base plateil is stepped correspondingly with# the variation in height` off-lthefaces ofthev resilient blocks andin this. manner-some -of the resilient: inaterial is conserved As the blocks-are of substantial thicknessY theV lUbolts' will not be: et,

fective to unduly :restrict the flexibility.' of

the spring by? clamping.` the leavesl of* the springl 'so' tightlyA against' each other lthat great frictional resi-stance is setupbetween the spring leaves; The snubbing` action-vof lthe resilient block4 is primarilybrought.`= about by individually yieldingly resistingthef endwisemov-ementof the spring leavesffand the straightening action ofL thefleaves without clamping the fleaves together `so :tightly as-to destroyV the desirablel action if' theY spring. as awhole 1in its initial deflection;V

' By. referringjtoligure 7 offtheydrawing,

it will'be seen `vthat asnubberis-prov-ided of relatively shortk dimension, sineeflinv lapplicationl upon theV Ford model type of car.;v it

is only necessaryto" act againsttwo yspr-ings. It'will'be found'apparentthat sincey the grad'- uatedsprings reversedin position-as compared Vwith the inultiple-leafisprings. shown inFigurel ofthev drawings', the-snubber block willi of necessity be reversed and Will be placed upon the topoffthe spring.y y 'l ln, the use of. 'ther` present invention' with springs designed for heavy duty,'it-1hlas been founddesirableto createa yieldable'pressure f upon; opposite sides! of: the f spring.y For that reason, anaiiiziliaryresilientpad 3l is mounted upoiitlie upper long-l'ea'f-offthe spring and is held in `position by a clam-ping plate-82.

This'platefis formed with overhangingside members 33' agreeing substantially ink 'foi-1n.

anddimensions Withthe-members 27- and 28- ofthe Vlower `fitting and servingthesancev purpose in` thatthe'fitting andplate willbe heldk againstilateral twisting movement. By

ill() the useV vof the fitting 15v andthe plate32tY is possible to eliminate the U-bolt 27 and to provide alpair of straight bolts 34; and

35, which pass down through the members and alongopposite sidesofthespring, At!

tention is further directed tolthejfactfthat-zif desired the'blocks may be completely. sepai ratedand spaced; apart'by'webs 36 formed in the fitting 15. 1

`In Vthe. form ofthe :invention shownY in Figure 11, a resilient block 3W is disclosed'las being interposed between one arm' oif alclai-np `member 37 and the face of a spring leaf. Y

This clamping device is mountedV upon the spring in a manner to create a firm contact between two of the leaves. In the structure shown in Figure 12 substantially the same `endwise movement. Figures 13 and 14 show a modification of the invention in which a gravity operated pendulum member 39 swings downwardly on rebound in the car to increase thepressure between the block 40 and the leaves, and this member thus cooperates with the resilient bloclrto increasingly resist the, shifting movement of the leaves on rebound of the springs.

In operation of the present invention so far as described the snubber is applied to the spring in a manner best suited to the design of the spring and the load intended to be vcarried thereby. It has been found in practice'that it is desirable to place the snubber on the outer halves of the springs extending from the axles to the spring horns and it has also been found desirable to place the snubber of the front springs at a pointcloser tothe ends ofthe springs than the snubbers are kplaced on the rear springs. 1t will thus be apparent that experiments have proven that variation in action may be obtained by varying the relative positions of the snubbers in their application upon the springs. In the form of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 10, `inclusive,`the'faces onl the spring leaves against which the resilient blocks are to bear are first thoroughly cleaned so that the flat surfaces of the blocks which it will be noted are of substantial area, will rest firmly thereagainst, after which the snubbers are applied and clamped tok a desired tension by the U-bolts 27 or the bolts 34 and 35. In practice it is found that after the spring blocks have been thus clamped against the face of the springs, vthey will frictionally engage the same and normal operation of the spring will not cause any relative movementbetween the faces of the spring blocks and the spring leaves against Whichthey are clamped as above pointed out.

It is to be understood that the ,bolts create a desired compression of the resilient blocks which will of necessity slightly deform the blocks as `indicated in Figure 5 of the drawing. By this constant yielding pressure, the

springs against .which ,the resilient blocks rest, `as well as all of the springs embraced by the U-.bolts or the plate and bolts of Figure-10, will be clamped together in a mass which Vwill permitV them to slide-relative to eachother and toy straightenV during deflection' of the spring',fbut against yielding resistance caused by the resilient blocks bearing thereagainst. lhen a spring is deflected, therefore,on the down stroke, the weight of the car will overcome the friction existing between leaves and will cause the spring to readily deflect under the shoclrof impact.

As the spring leaves deflect the endwise movement thereof will roll or knead the sections ofthe resilient bloclr, while as the leaves straighten the sections of the block will be compressed, the increased pressure being transmitted .through the resilient block sections simultaneously in opposition to each other resulting in increasino 4absorption and neutralization of the energy of impact as the deflection of the springincreases, with a result thatV a desirable cushioned deflection of the spring is secured which permits substantially free deflection for the smaller ranges of movement, while for the sharp road impacts causing excessive deflection the energy of impact is absorbed and neutralized in a mannerto retard and cushion the deflection rebound of the spring and cause it to return to its normal position with a minimized shock to the frame.

In the forms of the invention shown in Figures 11 to 14 inclusive, due to the use of the yielding block initial and small defiections are permitted with substantial freedom, and excessive movements-are checked but these forms are not as desirable in their action as the forms of the invention herein before described.

This invention may readily be applied in connection with Vsprings that are secured to the vehicle frame by connections including resilient blocks between which the ends of the spring assembly can move as the springs deflect in accordance'with road irregularities and torque and brake reactions. One form of this construction is shown in Figures 15, 16,17, 18 and 19 in which 41 indicates the frameof the vehicle 42 the axle, and 43 the usual spring assembly, comprising a plurality of spring leaves that are provided to yiel'dingly supportv said frame on said axle.

The ends of the spring assembly are connected to the frame 41 by means of hangers 44 adapted to yield or spring slightly and of U-forui-thatV preferably embrace a clip seat 45 that is spaced from a hanger bracket 46 bya resilient block 47. As shown in Figure 19, the hanger bracket 46 is perforated at 48 to permit one arm of the U-shaped hanger 44 to pass therethrough. As shown in the same figure the hanger bracket is provided with a seat49 in the form of a recess to receive the resilient block 47, the under surface of clip seat 45 being' provided with asimilar recess 50 to receive said block.

The upper leaf of the spring assembly 43 is preferably turned downrat its ends as shown at 51 and engaging the ends of a plurality of the leaves of said assembly is a resilientl block 52 having stepped portions as above described-f Thefresilient block 52 is arranged in a recessfforminga seat 53 in .aseat member 54 that 4vis' clamped to the spring@ assemblybyga U-bolt 55,- the clamping force being` adjustable byL means of the `castellated nuts-56;A AsA shovvn in Figure 157` boltx-is arranged'adj acent the end ofthe seat. 54 that isf-remote `from the end ofthe springassembly:

The endofthe spring assembly Withthe rubber blocks'52 securedthereto inthe manner just4 described iis `arranged vbetvveen the -f armsoffhanger 44 and is clamped against-theunder surfaoeof hangeri'bracket 46 by, means of a yoke 57 that is `slidably mounted on the armsof said cli'pfand adjustedby means Vof nuts-58'. Arranged between :the ends-of the= assembly just referred `to and the spring.: hanger areresilient blocks 59 each of Whichis preferably seated inv arecessed seat 60 provided in fthe 'under surface of the hanger bracket46. Arranged between the assembly just'referred to-andthe yoke 57 isa resilient block 61 that is held-from lateral movement by'being seated in avrecess62 in-seat`54and z5 by -being seatedinavrecess 63in'yoke 57'. Y

` The resilient v blocks-47,- 52,Y 59 and 61 are preferably 'made of ahighgrade rubberpref erablyI of the type used insolid truclrtires,

' and in.y order to increase-their resilience `inV planes extending substantially parallelto the vehicle frame, such blocks are preferably providedvvith -a longitudinal bore 64 orotherv suitable means to increase the resilience ofthe blocksv inthe ydirectionrjustreferred to. Iny 85 order to positively prevent endvvise movement? ofthe top spring of the-springvassembly rel-LA ative'to theblock 59,y said leaf may be 'pro-Y videdvv-ith afprotuberance 65' engagingthe bore `6 4'in:block 59.

As shown in Figurel,l both ends of spring assembly 43 are'secured-tothefframe ofthe vehicle through resilient spacingblocks; As

shown in this ligurethe'block 61 and'yoke57 may beomitted at one end of the spring as` block-52,!the endsf of saidleaves maybe turned at Vright angles Iandf embedded jin the block as shown at 66 inF-igure 15a.

f In Figure 2O still another modification-of. This modification Y includes'ra resilient snubber` blockl 67 secured this invention is shovvn.

tothe ends ofthe spring'assembly by aseat 68 and a'U'V bolt 69 'after the EInanner'just de`- scribed in connection Withy the" construction shown in Figure 15. Thespring and snubber block assembly just described issecuredv to the bracket 7 0 of the frame of the vehicle by means of hanger 71, hangerseat member 72 and resilient block 7 Sserving to resilientlyV` support the end of hanger 71. from theframe.

f Al yoke 74 separated from the assembly Ajust referred to Vby a. resilient blocky 75 supports the concavity just described.y A ball y82 is' arrangedvbetweenseat 79 andthe uppermostk leaf of the springassembly, the nuts 76 be;

in concavities 8() andf81,-in firm contact with the lovvermostpoints thereof. Y

In the form of the invention shown in Fig-1v ures-15 to 20 Vitwillfbe observed thatthe spring assemblies are attached to the frame 1n a manner avoidingthe useof free swinging shackles that permit acertain. amount. ofunj-r resisted endWise movement of one end of the springy `assembly relative tothe frame. Inf the' construction shown in said figures the endvvise movement of the spring as a Whole is? variably resistedfbyy the resilientbloe-ksv 61 and 59 sincel ashangers 444 spring or deflect under load the blocks will be pinched andfthe pressure vincreased with increased deflection; as the blocks are yrubber asabove statedgand contact directly. With the metallic surfaces against Whichfthey (abutf it-is found in .prac-f tice that the rubberadheres-to the metal sur" faces due'` toV the heat' generated when! the,` blocks are putin service,thusvirt-ually vulcanizingthe'rnbber andcausing a'firm conL4 tact `between the metallic surfaces and the blocks.l Accordingly 'lateral Y movement of blocks relative tol `their l supporting surfaces does not take place under conditions of'service and movements ofthe-ends ofthe spring `assembly vas a unitv are resisted vbythe knead ing or rolling of the body of the rubber blocks, the resilience of which" is increasediby the bores 64 as Wellas-by thepinching action of. thehangers underdeflection. Inthisfvvayl the action of the'spring 'assemblyas a Whole'I is 'resiliently controlled lbyv said blocks.

At the same timeythe'- deflection oftheA spring, which causes`V a relative endvvise movement betvv'een the` leaves constituting 52 because-no movement of anyof the leaves- Withrespect to the surfaces'of the block said assembly. nuts v7 6 being used to var-ythe The uppermost leafof the springassembliing adjusted to clamp the ball so that it .rests the spring assembly is resisted `by the' block with `Which it-contacts takes place; since 'inl' practicelt 1s found that leaves adhereto the portion of the block with 'Whiclr they conf tact, therebyy preventing'-k such movement;

The blocks 52 accordingly, yieldinglyresist" deflectionfof the springs las above' set' forth in connection with Figures- 1 tolO. Inithis Way,- the" block -52-alsoacts as ari-effective snubber, absorbing in large measure, the undesirable forces that would otherwise be applied to the frame of the vehicle.

It should be noted further that by avoiding the use of the customary shackles, the driving force that impels vthe vehicle forward and the braking reactions usually t-ransmitted through the springs and through the spring connections to the body, are transmitted to the frame through the resilient blocks interposed between the springs and the frame. Accordingly, the driving force and braking reaction are cushioned by said blocks and the torque reactions that tend to rotate the spring assembly as a unit about the axis of the axle, are yieldingly resisted by the resilient blocks that are utilized in connectingthe springs to the frame.

In the form shown in Figure 20, the ball 82 serves to restore the hanger to its substantially vertical position when it is caused to substantially depart therefrom by the action ofV the spring assembly as a whole. When such action occurs, the cavity 8l moves toV one side of the position in which its vertical axis is in alinement with the vertical axis of cavity 80, thus causing the ball 82 to become wedged. In such position the ball tends to aline the cavities 8O and 8l and thus restore the parts to normal condition, while at the same time-the wedging action of the ball increases the pressure on the blocks aiding the checking of excessive movements.

A still. further modification of the invention is shown in Figures 21 and 22. In these figures, the improved means for snubbing the action of the spring is embodied as a part of aprubber case that completely encloses the ends of the spring assembly. In these figures thev rubber case comprises a relatively thin body portion 83 and thickened endportions 84; so proportioned that when the case is arranged in position around the spring assembly, the thickened ends will engage the underside ofthe spring while the body 83 will completely surround and encase the spring leaves. The thickened ends 8l are provided with step portions 85 arranged to engage the projecting portions of the spring leaves to function in the manner above described in connection with similarly formed snubbing blocks. In order to firmly press said stepped end portions into contact with the leaf ends, U-bolts 86 are provided with recessed vseats 87 that receive said end portions and prevent lateral movement. thereof. Nuts 88 may be used to adjust the pressure upon end portions 84. This form of the invention functions after the manner above described in connection with the other modifications, the step portions of the thickened ends of the case serving to yieldingly resist relative endwise movement between the leaves and the spring assembly.

In Figure 23 a still further modification is shown which the snubbing blocks 89 and 90 engage the sides of a multi-leaf spring 91. Suitably formed seat members 92 and 98 provided with recesses 94 that serve as seats for said blocks, are caused to press the blocks against the sides of the spring by means off aI U-bolt 95 and nuts 96. In this form of the invention the blocks 89 and 90 function to prevent relative movement between the spring leaves by being pressed firmly in contact therewith by the U-bolt 95. Said bolt is not effective to increase the frictional resistance between the leaves of the spring since the clamping pressure is applied in a direction transverse to the spring. The action of the spring is accordingly substantially unaffected by said blocks except for the checking of excessive movements and the rebounds of the spring. It will thus be seen that the devices here disclosed provide simple structures adapted to be mounted upon the multiple leaves of vehicle springs without alteration or replacement of parts. and which will act to create positive and desirable cushioning of spring action and movement as a whole thereby increasing the riding qualities of the car and eliminating objectionable vibration which would otherwise be imparted to the parts of the vehicle structure.

The invention may obviously be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rat-her than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Accordingly what is desired to be secured by Letters Patent and is claimed as new is:

l. A vehicle including a multi-leaf'spring, a resilient block arranged adjacent each end of the spring and directly contacting with relatively movable leaves of said spring, means to secure said blocks to said spring so that said blocks are effective to yieldingly resist relative longitudinal movement of the spring leaves, and means engaging said last named means to secure said spring to the vehicle.

2. The combination defined in claim l, in which the last named means includes resilient blocks that have a substantial degree of lateral flexibility endwise of the springs.

3. A vehicle including a multi-leaf spring,

a resilient block having separate portions to directly Contact with a plurality of the leaves of said spring, means to secure said spring to the vehicle, said means being arranged to be effective through said block and serving to iso firmly press said portions in contact with said leaves.

4. A vehicle including a multi-leaf spring and means to secure said spring to said vehicle, comprising hangers and a plurality of resilient blocks arranged between the spring ends, and put under compression by said hangers, one of said blocks firmly engaging a plurality of the spring leaves so that it resiliently opposes relative endwise movement of said leaves.

5. A vehiclev including a multileaf spring having a resilient snubbing block engaging overlapped leaves secured to each end thereof, a plurality of spring supports carried by the vehicle frame and hangers to suspend the ends of said spring from said supports, and resilient blocks between said hangers and supports and between said spring ends and supports, said vblocks being placed under substantial compression by said hangers.

6. A vehicle comprising a frame, a plurality of spring supports on said frame, a multileaf spring, means to secure said spring to said supports, said means includingV resilient blocks arranged above said support, between said support and spring ends, and beneath a plurality of lapped leaves of said spring ends, and elements to compress said resilient blocks and firmly secure said springs to the vehicle.

7 The combination defined in claim 6, in

which said blocks arevmade of rubber that are provided with means to increase the inherent lateral flexibility thereof.

8. A vehicle comprising a frame, a spring support carried by the frame, a multi-leaf spring, a spring hanger to suspend said spring from said support, said hanger being arranged to swing endwise of the spring, and means to resist said endwise swinging movement comprising a plurality of resilient blocks engaging said spring, one of said blocks being arranged to contact a plurality of lapped leaves to yieldingly resist a relative endwise movement of the spring leaves.

9. A snubber for a multiple leaf vehicle spring embodying a plurality of leaves of varying lengths, the shorter leaves being free atk their ends, comprising a resilient block contacting with a shorter leaf over a part of its lengthas great as the width of said leaf, and means to yieldingly clamp said block i into firm adherent contact with said leaf so that relative endwise movement of said leaf is yieldingly resisted and cushioned by a kneading of the material of said resilient block without preventing such endwise movement and thus reducing substantially the freedom of the spring to deflect under conditions of service.

10. The combination defined in claim 9 in which said block is shaped to contact with a plurality of shorter leaves of the spring.

In testimony whereofv I aliiX my signature.

ROLLIE B. FAGEOL. 

